Luce

(SoMa)
888 Howard St.  
415-616-6566 Map it
www.lucewinerestaurant.com

$$$-$$$$
bar scene, breakfast, business lunch, fine dining, hotel, lunch, notable chef, notable wine list, open 7 days, private dining or party space, quiet, valet parking

SCENE: The in-house restaurant of SoMa’s new Intercontinental hotel, Luce (Italian for “light”) takes advantage of its corner location with floor-to-20-foot-ceiling windows that flood the spacious room with sunshine. Modern silver pendant lights and white leather booths add to the airy feel.

EATS: Chef Dominique Creen (named a “chef to watch” in 2007 by Esquire) recently returned to San Francisco after stints in Indonesia and L.A; the Frenchwoman has created a menu for Luce that showcases her global experience while taking advantage of the best locally sourced products. Lamb (chops and cheeks) is served with a Moroccan-style apricot tagine; a pristine piece of John Dory is accompanied by classic French artichoke barigoule—a kumquat escabèche adds a nouveau twist. For dessert, order the signature “study of chocolate,” a five-way variation on the theme, paired with a glass of grappa off of a (100-plus bottle) list.